Sjogren's Syndrome

(Primary Sjogren's Syndrome; Secondary Sjogren's Syndrome)

Definition

Sjogren's syndrome is an inflammatory disease. The immune system destroys cells in exocrine glands. It occurs most often in the tear and salivary glands. It is a lifelong condition. There are two types:

Images may also be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with a
chest x-ray
.

Treatment

There is no cure for Sjogren's. No treatment can restore the ability of the glands to produce moisture.
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.

Treatments include:

Medication

You may be given medications to relieve:

Dryness

Joint and muscle pain

Inflammation and swelling

Lifestyle Measures

Lifestyle changes may help to relieve symptoms. These include:

Exercise to relieve stiffness in the joints

Sipping liquids and sucking on sugar-free candies to relieve dryness

Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups

Using unscented moisturizers to help relieve dry skin

People with severe cases of this syndrome are at increased risk for developing cancers such as
non-Hodgkin lymphoma
and
thyroid cancer
. This is a cancer of the white blood cells. Your doctor will need to monitor you for this.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing Sjogren's syndrome. The cause is unknown.

Sjogren's syndrome. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at:
http://www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases%5FAnd%5FConditions/Sj%C3%B6gren%5Fs%5FSyndrome. Updated July 2012. Accessed December 16, 2014.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.